Severe weather warning issued for parts of CQ

The Bureau of Meteorology updated an earlier warning to include parts of Capricornia, Central Highlands and Coalfields, and the Central Coast and Whitsundays.

Heavy rain and possibly damaging wind gusts are expected to develop between Alva Beach in the Herbert and Lower Burdekin region, to Biloela.

Heavy rainfalls between Alva Beach and Biloela may lead to flash flooding, with the Bureau saying six hourly rainfall totals between 140mm and 180mm are possible, mainly near the coast today and continuing inland on Wednesday.

Damaging winds, with peak gusts over 90km/h, are expected to develop about exposed coastal and island locations in the warning area today.

Locations that are expected to be impacted by the severe weather include; Rockhampton, Biloela, Mackay, Proserpine, Bowen, Collinsville, Hamilton Island, Sarina and Ayr.

BoM says they are expecting Ex TC Penny to move in a more westerly track tonight to cross the Queensland Coast between Mackay and Townsville overnight or on Wednesday.

The system is no longer expected to redevelop into a tropical cyclone.

EARLIER: A SEVERE weather warning for damaging winds and heavy rain has been issued for parts of coastal Queensland through to Yeppoon with the Bureau of Meteorology warning of huge rainfall in the wake of ex-tropical cyclone Penny.

Rockhampton is already experiencing some effects of Penny, with 3.4mm rainfall recorded overnight to 6.09am and steady falls continuing.

At Yeppoon, 8.2mm has been recorded in the same time.

At 4am, Penny was sitting about 340km east of Bowen moving southwest at 14kmh.

This westerly path is expected to continue, with the system set to cross the coast between this evening and early Thursday.

It is likely to remain a tropical low, but the bureau warns there is a "moderate risk" that the system will redevelop into a Category 1 cyclone.

"Regardless of its status, the system should continue to produce heavy rainfall and damaging winds over its southern flank, and these conditions are likely to develop within the warning area as ex-Penny approaches," the latest warning stated.

"Areas of heavy rainfall, which may lead to flash flooding, are expected to develop in coastal areas between Alva Beach and Yeppoon during Tuesday morning and extend further inland during the day.

"Six hourly rainfall totals between 140mm and 180mm are possible, with isolated heavier falls in excess of 200mm.

"Damaging winds, with peak gusts of around 90km/h, are expected to develop about exposed coastal and island locations in the warning area on Tuesday, particularly about the Whitsunday Islands."

To prepare, Queensland Fire and Emergency Services advises:

Move your car under cover or away from trees.

Secure loose outdoor items.

Seek shelter, preferably indoors and never under trees.

Beware of fallen trees and powerlines.

Never drive, walk or ride through flood waters. If it's flooded, forget it.

Keep clear of creeks and storm drains.

For emergency assistance contact the SES on 132 500.

The next Severe Weather Warning will be issued by 11am.

Warnings are also available through TV and Radio broadcasts, the bureau's website or by calling 1300 659 219. The Bureau and Queensland Fire and Emergency Services would appreciate warnings being broadcast regularly.